Category Archives: Luxemi Style

Jewelry designer Mrinalini Chandra — one of the most coveted names in the industry today — clearly has an affinity for all things whimsical. She has, after all, turned chairs into bejewelled adornments and fishes into ornamental shawls. With ‘endless love, laughter and happily ever after’ as her mantra, Chandra has taken it upon herself to give fashion jewelry a couture update with dollops of handcrafted finesse. Her pieces are a perfect marriage of complementary contradictions — old-school yet modern, vintage yet eclectic, trendy yet timeless. What’s more, her army of patrons include the who’s who of fashion favourites like Sonam Kapoor, Esha Gupta, Asin, Jacqueline Fernandez, Kalki Koechlin, Karisma Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra and more.

Tell us about your foray into jewellery design and about the launch of the brand.

Like many young girls, accessories always held a special place in my wardrobe but it was only much later that I realized that it was my professional calling. The more time I spent learning about the delicate nature of jewelry during college (editor’s note: she received her masters from the Creative Academy, Milan and Fashion and Lifestyle Accessory Design degree from NIFT, New Delhi), its profound relationship with the wearer drew me to explore this particular art form further. I honed my skills at Tanishq and Mont Blanc before officially launching my label at Lakme Summer Resort 2014.

Mrinalini Chandra at LFW SR 2014

Your brand is well known for giving the Indian aesthetic a modern twist. Tell us more about the thoughts and ideas behind your various collections.

Creating aspirational wearable art has always my ultimate dream and Indian handicraft techniques and textiles have always inspired me. It was perhaps this love for delicate and intricate handcrafted artworks that made me pick a field that allows me to indulge in the same. I am very hands-on with my work. I think of myself as more of an artisan — I like to sit with the metal and create new things using my bare hands. Truth be told, there’s nothing quite as fulfilling.

What are your key inspirations?

I draw inspiration from everything around me. Variety inspires me. It’s the love for experimenting with design that leads me to create dynamic forms while keeping the beauty of the pattern intact. There is scope for so many new things and that challenges me to experiment and take risks in terms of material, forms, craft, techniques etc. Since I love traveling, I often take several cues from art and architecture too. Nature, of course, has been a ubiquitous influence across my collections.

What are the top trends and must-have jewellery pieces this season?

Palm cuffs, hath phools and hair accessories are reigning trends at the moment. For someone who likes to go that extra mile with their jewelry, our unique introductions like metal scarves composed of a fish motif, arm spring, elbow cuffs, fingertip rings, gajra hair pins and maathapattis should be go-tos.

My personal jewellery box is dominated by statement earrings and glass bangles. I also love tribal finds and a lot of my personal jewelry pieces have been acquired during my various travels around the globe. I believe in allowing one accessory to dominate my look and avoid unnecessary clutter.

Do you have an advice on the right way to accessorize?

It is quite interesting to see people accessorize in unexpected ways today. Experimentation is essential and the wearer must always style the accessory in a manner that stays true to their aesthetic. After all, it’s this individual touch that gives jewelry life. I sometimes see people falter when picking the right jewelry for an outfit — the key is that the two should complement each other but never clash and fight for the limelight. A lot of thought needs to be put into this, particularly if you wish to go OTT. Balance is everything.

Which are your favorite pieces from Luxemi’s collection?

I absolutely love the glass kundan earrings available on Luxemi — they promise to give any Indian outfit such an interesting facelift!

What do you think of Mrinalini Chandra’s creations? Tell us in the comment box below!

The Spring-Summer ’15 international fashion weeks presented a profusion of trends we can’t wait to try out. Mid-riff baring evening looks and fringe strutted down the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan, signalling the arrival of playful dressing. Denim, gingham and suede stood out as the most popular fabrics (much to our delight!). Though we loved looking through collections of celebrated designers from around the world, we can’t deny that we’ve always nursed a soft spot for our homegrown designers on the international front. So we decided to decode the season’s most prominent trends as dictated by the incredibly talented desi names who are making their mark globally.

Bibhu Mohapatra

The collection was inspired by the life of writer, activist and shipping heiress, Nancy Cunard. Bibhu Mohapatra reestablished his predilection for prints as geometric shapes were splashed across crop tops with organza panels hanging down the sides. Digital prints were also prominent on evening dresses and formal gowns. We fell hard for his collarless skirt suit made from leather and silk strips – a subtle ode to Cunard’s signature leather jacket. True to his design aesthetic, the collection was feminine yet eclectic…something Cunard would definitely have appreciated!!

Naeem Khan

The lure of sporty silhouettes was too hard to resist even for the name most associated with Hollywood glitz and glamour. Silk sweats and sheer panel sweatshirts covered in an explosion of crystals made quite the entry, closely followed by multi-coloured floral prints at our beloved Naeem Khan’s show. Evening-wear came out to play too – whether it was taffeta kaftans for the bohemian spirit, embroidered minis for the rising starlet, or the caviar-encrusted emerald jumpsuit for the bold fashionista — the designer dazzled us with his forte yet again.

Manish Arora

The king of kitsch cut back on embellishments but his maximalist style continued to shine through. Roses in full bloom, ornamental baseball caps and metallic footwear pervaded the runway. Manish Arora experimented with sheer panelling too, this time in the form of striped negative spaces. But what caught our attention most were the sweater dresses emblazoned with prints of neon eyes and Goddess Kali! Overall, the collection screamed quirky street-style meets kaleidoscopic sportswear.

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung’s collection took us back to the Himalayas, just where his Fall ’14 collection left off. Except this time, the wool and layers were replaced by silk jackets, iridescent fabrics and peek-a-boo flashes of skin. The flirty print dresses and skirts were a visual treat, while the covetable strapless gowns topped off with racer-back tanks displayed effortless drama. It was the perfect union of his two principal interests: sportswear and high fashion.

Rahul Mishra

His first showing in Paris after his much-lauded Woolmark Prize win, Rahul Mishra‘s show was kind of a big deal—to us at least! He sent out his signature simple silhouettes with complex embroidery, boasting of sporty yet romantic sophistication. His modern designs came with a twist – well-tailored suit jackets were paired with sheer embroidered white skirts, petal patterns curved over the shoulders of zip-up jackets and embroidered white flowers covered black sheer jackets. The dynamic contrast between the softness and strength of the collection charmed us off our feet!

Which show do you give your vote to? Tell us in the comment box below!

Ever since Sonam Kapoor made her Bollywood debut she’s been tagged as the industry’s high priestess of fashion and rightly so. With her impossibly chic style, Sonam has single-handedly changed the face of costume designing in Indian films. She made Dior and Chanel household names with chick flick Aisha and her recently released film Dolly Ki Doli is all about shining the spotlight on homegrown designers. Kapoor’s latest is about a con artist bride who thrives on a Marry. Run. Repeat. mantra. And you know, where there’s weddings there’s awesome bridal fashion to be had. We decided to turn watching this movie into a fun ‘spot the designer’ game. Styled by Karuna Laungani, Elle India’s ex-Fashion Editor (also Sonam’s stylist for Khoobsurat), we weren’t surprised when we spotted the coolest names in the industry.!

Anita Dongre

We love a badass bride and the first look is no exception. Sonam rocks the edgy bridal look with a traditional Anita Dongregota patti lehenga but instead of a dupatta, it’s paired with a moto jacket and aviators.

Manish Arora

The “bride gone wild” act continued with Sonam in this eclectic Manish Arora couture lehenga that she wore for a song during the movie’s closing credits. An OTT look-at-me lehenga worn with a cropped jacket and statement sunglasses is our kind of combination indeed.

Jade by Monica and Karishma

Another label making it to the promotional posters was a turquoise and coral lehenga by bridal wear brand Jade by Monica and Karishma. The blue is a welcome reprieve from bridal red—do we spy a trend in the making?

Ritu Kumar

That’s not to say that bridal red was given a miss altogether in the movie. We spotted Sonam in a red Ritu Kumar sari worn with a gold blouse and an embellished Anupama Dayal tunic worn over patialas. Steal her look with Luxemi’s Red and Gold Bridal Saree.

Anupama Dayal

Ashima Leena

Considering how much we love offbeat lehengas, the green Ashima-Leena number with its jacket style blouse was an instant favorite with us. Love the look from head-to-toe, right down to the jewelry.

Madsam Tinzin

Upcoming designers were part of the repertoire too.We loved the contemporary design of this blue suit by Delhi-based designer Madsam Tinzin.

Mayyur Girotra

What’s stands out about this Mayyur Girotra look is how this otherwise modern lehenga was given a completely traditional Gujarati avatar with ingenious use of silver jewelry. Check out Luxemi’s versatile range of silver jewelry here, here and here.

Luxemi’s silver jewelry

Which of the Dolly Ki Doli looks do you like best? Tell us in the comment box below!

Made in India is seeing a revival—a revolutionary revival, actually. A host of designers are shining the spotlight on traditional handlooms and weaves from different parts of the country without succumbing to the ‘modern update’. So on the one hand you have Rahul Mishra putting chanderi on the international style map, while on the other Prime Minister Narendra Modi made khadi kurtas and nehru jackets stitched in Ahemdabad a major rage. Embracing and donning our Indian heritage is no longer considered old school or uncool. In fact, this return to our roots is a thing now. A stylish statement, really. If you’ve been following along you know Luxemi’s been championing this for awhile. So if you’re gearing up to make closet space for this traditional throwback, it begs the question—can you tell your patolas from your kalamkaris? And do you which region is famous for their upadas? Fret not; we have the ultimate guide for you!

Andhra Pradesh

Kalamkari collection by Neeta Lulla

The looms of Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanpet, Dharmavaram, Uppadas are best known for their silk and cotton sarees. The state’s Mangalgiri cottons and Kalmkari prints are lauded as well.

Bihar

Tussar silk

That tussar silk (a non-mulberry type of silk) sari your grandmom is so fond of? It’s from this state! Bihar is also equally famous for their handwoven cotton mulmuls, particularly in the Madhubani print.

Gujarat

Patola creation by Gaurang Shah

The patola print, which is a particular craze these days, is a specialty of Gujarat and is made using a tie and dye technique that requires intricate weaving. The region’s Kutch work is equally well known too.

Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmiri Heritage collection by Manish Malhotra

Your shawl collection can never be deemed complete without atleast one pure pashmina or toosh from the region. Kashmiri kashida embroidery is equally beautiful and has to be seen to be believed! No wonder Manish Malhotra dedicated an entire collection to it in 2012!

The chanderi fabric that Rahul Mishra has made so famous world over comes from this state. The state’s craftsmen are masters at churning our chanderi silk and maheshwari sarees too.

Maharashtra

Kirron Kher in Paithani silk saree

Exquisite Paithani saris and Vidarbha Karvati sarees in kosa silk that are a staple in the state are coveted across the country and are often handed down for generations.

Orissa

Sambalpuri ikat

The ikat print, which is splashed across collections of most high street giants today, is in fact the forte of this state and is known as sambalpuri ikat. Orissa is also famed for their bomkari handlooms, where designs are inspired by mythology spruced with animal and floral patterns.

Rajasthan

Bandhani and gota outfit by Anita Dongre

Rajasthan’s handlooms are just as vibrant and colourful as the state’s culture. Their bandhani or bandhej (a type of tie and dye technique), leheriya, gotta patti, zari and zardosi work are extremely famous and have found patrons in several designers like Anita Dongre and Nidhi Tholia among others.

Uttar Pradesh

Jame Judi Dench in a chikankari outfit by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Lucknowi chikan embroidery, an erstwhile favourite of Nawabs and royalty as well as a technique on which Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla have built their empire, hails from UP. It has been adapted into western and fusion wear too.

West Bengal

Kantha work

Baluchari work sarees that highlight the rustic culture of the state’s villages as well the subtle yet stately Kantha embroidery sarees are a must-buy for someone visiting West Bengal!

What do you think of our Indian weaves 101 session? Tell us in the comment box below!

Let us introduce you to the au courant favorite at the Luxemi HQ: navaratna jewelry, a bijouterie classic that promises to stand the test of time. Literally translating into ‘nine gems’, this unique style is composed of 9 stones, each having its set of implications in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, among other religions. Jewelry that is beautiful AND has culture/historical significance? Sign us up!

Culturally speaking, this form of jewelry is seen as a symbol of positivity and is touted to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer. The nine dazzling jewels that make up this gem of a beauty include rubies, diamonds, pearls, red coral, garnet, blue sapphire, cat’s eyes, yellow sapphire and emeralds.

Astrologically speaking, they are considered a protective shield against danger and disease. Each gemstone has a ruling planet which tackles specific problems. It is believed that navaratna jewelry combines the benefits of nine planetary gemstones in one, hence making it so powerful.

Sartorially speaking, this bejewelled beauty is all you need to spice up monochromatic as well as multi-hued ensembles. There’s no denying that it will pair just as beautifully with a white sari as it will with a printed lehenga. Whether you’re looking to make a statement that is restrained or regal—this is just the bauble style you need.

The cocktail of colors this jewelry style offers makes it a natural pick to spice up monotone looks as it offers one’s repertoire a punchy reprieve.

We wouldn’t rule out pairing navaratna jewels with multi-hued or printed ensembles either. Think of it as a bejewelled spin on print-on-print. The trick here is to opt for just a navaratna pendant or earrings instead of the whole set.

With Spring just around the corner (hopefully!), it’s only fitting that you sport this rainbow-drenched trend with a spring in your step!

What’s your take on navaratna jewelry? Tell us in the comment box below!

Have you ever wondered who dresses Bollywood’s most fashionable ladies? The sartorial stars behind the stars, if you will. We’ve rounded up the country’s top super stylists for you fashion fanatics. Remember these names, they’re the ones who’ve changed the game and made Bollywood just as stylish as Hollywood.

Sonam Kapoor: Rhea Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor is Bollywood’s original fashionista, the one who introduced high fashion and off duty style to the industry and sent other actresses scampering for stylists of their own. While Kapoor herself is very fashion forward, an avid vintage shopper and a self-confessed clotheshorse; it’s her younger sister Rhea who has a lot to do with the outfits we see her in. Together, the two can be touted as India’s very own Olsen twins. Always one step ahead of the crowd, Anamika Khanna and Elie Saab are mainstays on the sisters’ favorites list but they also champion emerging designers like Sanjay Garg, Neha Taneja and Dhruv Kapoor among others.

Deepika Padukone: Anaita Shroff Adajania

Bollywood’s reigning queen Deepika Padukone is styled by the high priestess of Indian fashion herself. Thanks to Anaita Shroff Adajania, Vogue India’s fashion director, the gorgeous actress never makes a fashion misstep. Adajania completely transformed Padukone’s look post Cocktail, both on screen and off. Now the duo always surprises eager fashion hawks with one winning looking after the other. Nothing is off the charts for this fashion power couple.

Kareena Kapoor Khan: Tanya Ghavri

Bollywood’s favorite Begum, Kareena Kapoor Khan, has got more than enough swagger to teach the new kids on the block a thing or many. Her personal style is a master class in how simple is always sophisticated and fuss-free equals effortless. Her personal stylist, Tanya Ghavri (who also styles a host of other stars like Frieda Pinto, Jacqueline Fernandez, Karisma Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor) never steers far from Khan’s comfort zone when dressing her—ensuring that the looks are the right balance between trendy and timeless.

Esha Gupta: Sanjana Batra

With a face as stunning as that, does it really matter what Esha Gupta puts on her back? She could wear a sack and still top best dressed lists. Her stylist Sanjana Batra confesses how Gupta is herself very fashion conscious and always has a pulse on the newest trends and designers to know. More than a glorified designer mannequin, she frequently concepts her own looks. The thing about Gupta, who looks good in just about anything, is that she’s always sporting gen-next Indian designers, and that gets a major thumbs up from us.

Malaika Arora Khan: Tanya Ghavri and Maneka Harisinghani

Owing to her sex appeal, oomph and abundance of poise, Malaika Arora Khan owns (and how!) every look she wears. From plunging necklines and daring hemlines to more conservative outfits, there’s nothing she doesn’t absolutely rock. The stunner, whose repertoire is almost always topped off by cascading waves and a perfect pout, used to be styled by insider favorite Tanya Ghavri. She has recently moved on to Maneka Harisinghani who is giving her style file an uplift with slightly more demure looks.

Who is your favourite celeb-stylist duo? Tell us in the comment box below!

Here’s a fun fact about Sonakshi Sinha: The actress actually intended to be a fashion designer and even graduated with a design degree from SNDT college in Mumbai. She created costumes for films like Mera Dil Leke Dekho and walked the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week. That is, until Salman Khan ‘spotted’ her and lured her into cinematic spotlight.

But if you think her designing chops immediately earned this young movie star a fashionista tag, think again. She battled unflattering conversation about her weight for a long time until she finally silenced her detractors with Version 2.0 late last year. Enter a visibly trimmer Sonakshi in a stylish new wardrobe and chic bob that gave her a serious edge.

We spotted this sartorially resurrected actress in a host of Indian looks as she promoted her new movie. Her new look is really working in her favour and we break down why:

Breezy silhouettes

Indian looks generally translate into bulky anarkalis and same ’ol saris for most. But not Sonakshi. She seems to be consciously staying away those tired silhouettes and instead opts for a host of fun, breezy cuts—think kurtis with flared palazzos, dhoti pants, cut-out kurtas and more.

Young Guns

As Indian fashion witnesses a revolution of sorts, an army of new designers have taken center stage. A lot of young Bollywood fashionistas, Sonakshi included, are making sure to give these talented newbies their moment in the sun. No wonder then that her repertoire boasts of a roster of upcoming Indian designers like Huemn, Ikai by Ragini Ahuja, Ridhi Mehra, Masaba Gupta, Nisha Sainani, and Sonali Gupta among others.

Playing Favorites

Sonakshi Sinha in Payal Singhal

And while Ms. Sinha seems happy to don fresh new designers, she clearly does have her favorites as well—namely Anita Dongre and Payal Singhal. In fact, she could very well be Singhal’s new poster girl and has been seen in several offbeat looks from her latest collection. Sonakshi seems to have given her nod to veteran designer Dongre’s use of bold hues as well.

Sonakshi Sinha in Anita Dongre

Red Alert

“When in doubt, wear red.” The adage clearly seems to have caught Sonakshi’s fancy and has been seen painting the town red on more than one occasion. Indians aren’t shy when it comes to wearing red and Sonaskhi is no different. You can’t go wrong in a color that’s strong, statement making, sexy and sophisticated all at the same time.

Dear December, you know we love you. What with the champagne showers and gift-giving, you pretty much win as far as months go. But sometimes? Well…you stress us out. Particularly in the sartorial department. We’ve figured it out though and have the perfect antidote to combat those “What the heck am I wearing to the 5th cocktail party of the season?” doldrums and it all starts with fabulous HAIR! There’s no denying that a chic ‘do can elevate an outfit from “Oh, hi” to “Hellloooooo!” and we’ve rounded up 4 hairstyles that will make you party perfect in no time. The best part? They’re super simple to recreate—maximum style with minimal effort—just how we like.

Vintage Waves

Look like an old-school Hollywood diva with these vintage, glamorous waves—a fitting tribute to the ’40s. It gives the hair ample movement and structure, and a certain je nai se quoi too.

Side Swept Bun

Flaunt the neckline and bodice embellishment of Luxemi’s Green Brocade Halter Suit with Zari Work and Sequins by opting for the side swept bun. We suggest wearing the look for a friend’s sangeet or dinner party. It will work like a charm with a black jumpsuit, printed skater dress or embellished blazer too.

Messy Side Braid

If you feel a fishtail braids are done to death, trust style goddesses like Blake Lively to give it a unique uodate. This messy side braid is oh-so-chic and effortless, how can you not love it?

Perfect Ponytail

There’s nothing as fuss-free as a ponytail. And a flirty ’50s high tail with extra bounce is just what this season calls for. You can even go a step further and embellish it with a sparkly hair accessory.

Aaaah December, the most festive time of year indeed. What with the jing jing jingling, sparkly numbers, and free flowing champers, it’s enough to make a girl go giddy! The parties and the shenanigans aside, it’s the gift giving that’s really our favorite part of the holiday season. There’s nothing better than hearing genuine squeals of joy—that’s when you know you done good.

If you want our advice, why not go beyond that bottle of wine when picking out gifts for your loved ones this time around? Spoil the ladies in your life silly with something chic they’ll cherish for a long time. Our gift guide has something for everyone—you included! What’s more, you don’t need to burn a whole in your wallet to find the perfect presents either—our edit brings you the chicest options, all under $100! Use code bauble15 for 15% of all retail accessoriesincluding jewelry, bags, and scarves!

This embroidered clutch is the perfect marriage between traditional and contemporary elements. It will brighten up a lehenga and elevate a jeans and top look as well. Pretty prefect for your BFF or younger sister, don’t you think?

This elaborate pearl and polki embellished set is bound to be a hit with your mum or aunt—basically someone who loves adding traditional elements to her repertoire. She can wear the set as a whole for more festive occasions or use the pieces separately when dressing down.

There are many reasons that this one is a winning choice—gold is a trend du jour and stacked bangles are a must-have in one’s accessory arsenal. This incredibly chic choice is sure to bring a smile to your home-girl’s face, particularly if she likes to stay trendy at all times.

Gift this simple yet statement-making headpiece to the boho chic belle in your life. Rest assured, she won’t be able to get enough of this versatile piece—after all, it can be worn pretty much everywhere from a music festival, a night out or to a wedding.

If you’re scouting for a gift for someone who’s not really big on jewelry, then this scarf is just what you need (to gift wrap!). Not only is it weather-friendly, but its versatility promises to give any look that extra edge too. And did we mention that it can liven up a salwar or a tunic as well? Win-win, indeed!

Price: $98

And if you’re still not sure about which one of these stellar options to pick, we have another fab idea for you. Simply opt for a Luxemi Gift Card, and let your loved ones pick out what they want!

It’s hard to look beyond a face as pretty and angelic as Katrina Kaif’s. Let’s be honest, she could wear a sack and make it work! No wonder this British beauty keeps her sartorial choices simple and fuss-free, letting that fresh face of hers do all the talking.

While sheath dresses, solid colours (with a major partiality towards black and white), comfortable sweaters and simple tops are her trusty staples, she does indulge us desi girls with quintessential Indian looks every now and then too.

It’s easy to spot a pattern though. She heavily favors clean, simple hues with a hint of pop and lots of Manish Malhotra. No draped drama for this lady—she is a purveyor of old-school cuts and silhouettes. Think floor-length anarkalis, traditional saris and lehenagas. Considering how much we love new-age, avant-garde Indian wear, we’ve got zero complaints here. We round up some of her top desi looks. We approve, and we’re sure you will too!

Go For Glam

Hello gorgeous! How beautiful is this unabashedly glamorous dull gold Manish Malhotra lehenga with a hint of pink and red? We especially love the hangings on the blouse. It helps that head-to-toe gold is a trend du jour too.

Coral Wonder

What makes this otherwise simple salwar work is the positioning of the slit. This look goes to show that a simple tweak to a same ’ol outfit can make all the impact. We love that she went easy on the jewelry and let her ensemble do all the talking.

Katrina Kaif in this Manish Malhotra shows that one should never underestimate the power of a sequined sari. From your BFF’s wedding to a cocktail party, it will come to your rescue on many occasions. The addition of a contrasting color blouse really elevates her look.

Black Beauty

This Anamika Khanna look is a classic case of elegance in simplicity. The addition of the cutwork jacket takes the floor-length kurta a few notches higher, giving it a slightly Indo-western feel. Add statement earrings to take it next level.

Code Blue

This floor length jacket teamed with a lehenga in all about understated, royal grace in our books. It is an impactful look without screaming for attention and can easily be emulated for a winter wedding.

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